Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has watched an art performance given by soldiers, the official daily Rodong Sinmun said on Sunday.

This is Kim's fourth reported public appearance in November.

But the report, with no photographs accompanied, did not say when and where Kim watched the performance, given by soldiers who participated in a military art festival.

Kim, at the end of the performance, waved to the cheering performers and congratulated them on their successful presentation, the report said.

Kim said he was pleased to see that the soldiers of the Korean People's Army (KPA) have not only prepared themselves to be indomitable fighters in combat but also displayed a high level of cultural attainment.

He also urged all units of the KPA to carry out more dynamic cultural and art activities.

Kim was accompanied by several senior officials including Kim Kyok Sik, chief of the KPA General Staff and Kim Jong Gak, first vice-director of the General Political Department of the KPA, said the report.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2008)